Director, Scientific Communications

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

22h • $186,489 - $278,875

About The Position

The Director, Scientific Communications is responsible for leading the planning, development, and execution of the global & US scientific communications strategy for assigned therapeutic area assets. This role is accountable for the development and execution of integrated, data-driven medical communications plans that effectively translate complex scientific data into clear, compelling, and impactful content for healthcare professionals and internal stakeholders. The Director serves as a key architect of disease state and asset-specific scientific narratives and chairs cross-functional teams to ensure alignment across content, communication channels, and external engagement strategies. This role leads a team and partners closely with senior stakeholders across Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Evidence Generation, Regulatory, and Commercial functions to ensure delivery of scientifically accurate, compliant, and innovative communications.

Requirements

• Advanced degree required (PharmD, MD, PhD, or equivalent in science, medicine, or related field).
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in Medical Affairs, Scientific Communications, or related roles within the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of prior leadership experience, including development and management of team members.
• Demonstrated experience leading global communication strategies and integrated planning processes.
• Strong experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Experience in Nephrology or Immunology therapeutic areas strongly preferred.
• Demonstrates an understanding of publication planning and how publication plans support broader scientific communication objectives, ensuring aligned messaging and effective dissemination of scientific evidence.
• Proven ability to translate complex scientific data into clear, strategic communication plans.
• Strong leadership and facilitation skills, including ability to chair cross-functional teams.
• Expertise in content strategy, omnichannel engagement, and digital communication tools.
• Strong project management capabilities, with experience managing multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with executive presence.
• Strategic mindset with strong business acumen and ability to align scientific communications with enterprise goals.
• Experience leveraging innovation, including AI and digital tools, to enhance content development and delivery.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Nephrology or Immunology therapeutic areas strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive, globally aligned medical communications strategy across assigned assets.
• Provide input to the long-term communication priorities aligned with asset strategy, lifecycle stage, and evolving external landscape.
• Translate scientific and clinical insights into integrated communication approaches that support stakeholder engagement and decision-making.
• Act as a strategic partner to senior cross-functional leaders to ensure alignment with enterprise and asset-level priorities.
• Lead cross-functional team for assigned asset/therapeutic area deliverables.
• Lead the execution of Medical Communication Plans, inclusive of: Content strategy and deliverables, Communication channels and external engagement planning, Congress execution.
• Ensure IMCPs are fully integrated into annual asset planning processes and aligned with broader medical and business strategies.
• Drive accountability for timely, high-quality execution of all IMCP deliverables.
• Responsible for the development and refinement of Scientific Communication Platform (SCP), scientific narrative, and core lexicon across Medical Affairs communications.
• Ensure consistency, clarity, and scientific rigor across all content and communication channels globally.
• Provide strategic oversight for the development of core content assets, including: Disease state education materials, Core field medical materials, Data dissemination assets, Congress-related materials and external engagement tools.
• Ensure content strategies are modular, scalable, and optimized for omnichannel delivery.
• Drive the design and execution of innovative content and communication channel strategies, including digital and omnichannel engagement approaches.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop new tools and platforms for scientific communication, including digital, social, and interactive formats.
• Champion the adoption of emerging technologies (e.g., AI-enabled content development, personalization, automation) to improve efficiency and impact.
• Ensure content is designed with the end user in mind, enhancing accessibility, engagement, and scientific understanding.
• Serve as a core leader within cross-functional asset teams.
• Translate emerging clinical data into actionable communication strategies.
• Ensure alignment and appropriate scientific integration across global and regional initiatives while maintaining Medical Affairs independence.
• Ensure all communications are scientifically accurate, evidence-based, and compliant with internal policies and external regulations.
• Establish and oversee governance frameworks for content development, review, and lifecycle management.
• Act as an escalation point for complex scientific or compliance-related content decisions.
• Maintain high standards of quality, consistency, and ethical communication practices.
• Lead annual scope-of-work planning and resource allocation for scientific communications deliverables.
• Oversee agency partnerships, including selection, contracting, performance management, and optimization.
• Drive operational excellence, process improvements, and scalable content development models.
• Ensure efficient delivery of high-quality outputs within budget and timelines.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing team (Associate Directors, Managers, and/or cross-functional contributors).
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
• Build organizational capability in scientific communications, including best practice sharing and process standardization.
• Promote a learner-first, inclusive mindset in content development and team culture.
• Stay current with advancements in scientific communications, digital engagement, and the external healthcare landscape.
• Gather and implement best practices across regions to drive consistency and innovation.
• Use insights, analytics, and stakeholder feedback to continuously optimize communication strategies and execution.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage
• Company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan assistance
• A generous 401(k) match
• Flexible time off
• Paid holidays
• Paid leave programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director